Dr. Mahat says govt taking initiative to ehnance connectivity to China

Kathmandu, June 2: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat Friday said that the government had taken initiatives to construct roads to connect two northern border points, including Tatopani.

“Talks and processes are underway to connect two border points with quality road infrastructure to facilitate transportation throughout the year, and upgrade two other border points at the Nepal-China boarder,” he said while speaking at a press meet organised to inform journalists about his achievements in the past 10 months after assuming the post of foreign minister.

China had closed the Tatopani border following severe damage to the road, buildings and other infrastructure by the devastating Gorkha Earthquake in 2015.

Since then, Nepal has been urging the northern neighbour to reopen the shortest and easiest entry point to China from the capital, Kathmandu.

In the meantime, the Nepalese Army is constructing a road to connect Rasuwagadhi with Kerung.

Dr. Mahat refuted news reports that the signing of the agreement on the ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative was delayed due to his reservation on the issue.

“We did not make any delay in the signing process. It only took some time to incorporate our national interests in the agreement,” he said.

Minister Dr. Mahat also said that the OBOR would open new avenues in Nepal-China relations and in Nepal’s development.

He said that the government had tried to intensify relations with both the neighbours, India and China, on the basis of harmony and trust, keeping Nepal’s interest at the centre.

“We have a culture of demonstrating radical nationalism on the road, but our preparation and performance are poor while deliberating at high-level bilateral and multilateral meetings. This government has worked to discourage such a culture and develop internal diplomacy with due preparations,” said the minister.

He stated that a high-level taskforce was formed some months ago to review the country’s foreign policy.

The committee is led by the foreign minister and includes experts from various areas such as politics, defense and economy, and will submit its report soon.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also preparing to restructure the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA). As per the plan, it will be developed into an institute that will have expertise in the areas of research, training and publication.

A taskforce was formed under the leadership of former ambassador Dr. Dinesh Bhattarai to recommend the strategies needed for restructuring the IFA. It has submitted its report to the ministry.

Likewise, MoFA has formed a consultative group of experts which will provide the required suggestions and consultations to the ministry when required.

The ministry has also created a policy framework whereby other ministries should obtain approval from the MoFA while dealing with any issue related with foreign affairs.